If you're familiar with contemporary art, you've undoubtedly heard the name KAWS. The name behind these miniature cartoon-esque figures that arehelping this young New York artist, whose actual name is Brian Donnely, make his imprint on the modern art world through his Kaws clothing line and artwork. If you are a fan, here are 5 facts that you need to know about Kaws
Fact1: KAWS: Street Art That Denounces
Kaws clothing and artwork have been influenced by skateboarding and graffiti culture since the 1990s. Then, young Brian Donnely took over the advertising efforts by wandering the streets of his hometown. Initially, he only scribbled his name in big, vibrant K.A.W.S. letters on posters. Then, his Skully emblem—a pirate skull with protruding bones that create ears and crosses for eyes—came to be, giving rise to a true style. Prominent labels like Dior, Calvin Klein, Chanel, or Diesel—all of which now sport the Skully's small head—will profit from Kaws' brand appropriations.
Fact 2. A Job at Disney
Pop culture is the engine of Kaws' artwork and clothing. Many statistics are lifted and redirected to that location. The artist has drawn Spongebob, Hello Kitty, The Simpsons, Astro Boy, The Smurfs, and Mickey with the stroke of a pencil—or a knife. Disney hired him shortly after he graduated from the School of Visual Arts in 1996. Kaws contributed to the films of this titan of the motion picture business. More anecdotally, he appeared in the obscure animation Doug and Doria against the background of 101 Dalmatians! You now know that the backdrop is signed Kaws, hidden behind the cute, tiny, bicolored pups! The partnership with Disney has not been inconsequential. It's true that his character buddy clearly references Mickey. Aside from the pirate's skull, the bodily features of the well-known Hollywood mouse include a rounded tummy, large curls on the overalls, and huge gloved hands.
Fact 3. From Andy Warhol’s Factory to KAWS’ Factory
In Kaws's works, the connection to consumer culture is evident. A true integration occurs when an ordinary thing is transformed into an artistic creation. The ordinary item serves as a metaphor for the barely noticeable distinction between art and reality, which is what makes his work so approachable.
Tokyo's Japanese art and culture captivate Kaws. There, he meets the director of Ape Bathing firm Nigo and visual artist Takashi Murakami. Together, they produced "package paintings," which had animated symbols like Chum and Companion shown on actual plastic packaging that looked like it belonged in a grocery store. These "vacuum-packed" pieces draw attention to the relationship between consumerism and art.
With Medicom, KAWS has also dabbled with toy production, transforming his paper figures into three-dimensional sculptures. By fusing pop art with street culture, these art toys have cemented his status as Andy Warhol's heir.
Fact 4. An Unconventional Artist’s Fame
Kaws investigates several creative forms from this projection of commonplace art. Everywhere there is development and visibility of the Kawsian world. Once again, the artist from New York opens a store called Original Fake, which is ironically a kind of Pop Shop.
The Chum, the Skully, and the Companion are repeatedly rejected, limiting the artist's creativity in the process. You may find his Kaws clothing and artwork in the store, such as paintings and figures on bath mats, key rings, mugs, scarves, shoes, sweaters, and even T-shirts! Kaws has discovered a means of incorporating his work into daily life via marketing; he blends art directly with consumer items, transforming his role from that of an artist into that of a designer of common things.
In a Nutshell:
Kaws is a well-known artist who is a light on the art scene. An ever-expanding audience is drawn to his art via exhibitions, events, and sales. If you are looking for a reliable platform to buy Kaws clothing and artwork, reach out to Origins NYC. One of the most reliable platforms for buying authentic streetwear clothes online. Visit our website for more detailed information.
